Given the lack of integrated researched information on Basmati in India and the ensuing need to enhance the knowledge base stimulated the setting up of our special R&D cell to study the subject in all its complex nuances. At KRBL, we study issues such as chemistry, quality parameters and ageing in great detail.

The R&D cell brings together a team of experienced rice professionals including farmers who are making efforts to blend a wealth of traditional knowledge with modern know-how and technology to improve pre & post harvesting techniques. The objective is to boost quality, improve head rice yields and lower costs. Our research efforts have a direct bearing on our success in developing new seed varieties and our ability to source and adapt the world’s frontline rice making technologies to conditions prevailing in India.

We were among the first in the industry to form an association with Pusa Institute, for developing better varieties of Basmati. The close association with research institutions assisted us in launching the newly developed Basmati variety Pusa 1121 exclusively under our brand in 2006. This variety met with huge success. We have also collaborated with Buhler, the world’s leading rice manufacturers for process and machine improvement. Associations with leading Agri Universities such as IARI, have been made to use studied and tested methods for quality. A corpus of a 100 million is also made available for grass root level agricultural research towards a better crop development.

With great brands in the stable, we are expected to be a great beneficiary to the Indian retail boom. Dr. V. P. Singh, who is considered to be the “Father of Basmati Research”, heads the Research & Development of seeds at KRBL.